News

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The situation with Kokoda Property Group and their “Ruby Ruby” development in Brisbane has become the ultimate horror story for off-the-plan buyers in 2026. In January, Kokoda shocked the market by terminating all 144 apartment contracts in its luxury Ruby Ruby tower. […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) You expect a professional—especially your accountant or financial advisor—to act in your best interests and not abuse your trust. The recent Federal Court case, DC Rd DC Pty Ltd v Zhang [2026] FCA 16, is a warning for property investors across NSW, […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) In New South Wales, buying property off-the-plan has its advantages, but it also carries hidden risks—particularly when it comes to the Occupation Certificate (OC). This document, while seemingly routine, is one of the most critical elements of an off-the-plan purchase and can […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) In the landmark case of Ceerose Pty Ltd v The Owners – Strata Plan No 89074 [2025] NSWCA 235, the NSW Court of Appeal has reshaped how building defects are approached in New South Wales. The ruling challenges the previous assumption that […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) In a game-changing decision for the building and construction industry, the High Court case Pafburn Pty Ltd & Anor v The Owners – Strata Plan No 84674 has effectively ended the long-standing “blame game,” where homeowners and strata owners were often left […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) It may sound unbelievable, but a recent situation in Sydney highlights an important truth: just because a structure has existed for decades does not mean it is protected from Council enforcement. Chai and Emmy, a retired couple, faced a distressing situation after […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) One common assumption among buyers and developers in Blacktown, Schofields, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill, and other NSW suburbs is that if a real estate agent says something is “OK,” then everything will be fine. Unfortunately, this belief can be very misleading. […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The belief that paying a 0.25% deposit at exchange gives a buyer the right to a property in the NSW market is one of the most dangerous myths. It happens often. People discuss it informally, and many treat it as standard practice, […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The process of purchasing property in NSW, whether in Blacktown, Schofields, Kellyville Ridge, Rouse Hill, or Windsor, always involves strict legal timelines. One of the most critical stages in any transaction is the payment of the deposit. From a conveyancing perspective, both […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The NSW Supreme Court case Bardi v Giannaros [2025] NSWSC 137 has all the elements of a modern-day drama. Involving a man allegedly living a “double life,” an international relationship, and a claim against a large estate, the case highlights the legal […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) Family provision claims form one of the most emotional areas of property and estate law in New South Wales, often arising from family relationships that have already broken down long before a parent dies. The recent Supreme Court decision in Pilatos v […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) Many buyers and sellers across Sydney and growing suburbs such as Blacktown, Schofields, Riverstone, Marsden Park, Kellyville, and Rouse Hill assume that an oil crisis automatically leads to falling property prices. From a conveyancing perspective, this assumption can cause hesitation or timing […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) Many buyers and sellers across Sydney and New South Wales are focused on interest rates, fuel prices, and the rising cost of living. However, this is not the first time Australia has faced an energy-driven economic shock, which provides a model for […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The global economy is always vulnerable to shocks, one of the most well-known examples being the oil crisis of 1973. This event reshaped the global economy and highlighted the critical role energy plays within it. In the context of the Sydney property […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The NSW Government has introduced a new “Name and Shame” register through NSW Fair Trading, allowing homeowners, buyers, and renters to better understand who they are dealing with before signing anything. The quality of the agent involved in a transaction can impact […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) As March 2026 passes, the global property market is showing a striking divergence. While Sydney continues to face a persistent shortage of housing supply, the United States is experiencing a significant imbalance, with sellers now outnumbering buyers by the largest margin in […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) Surcharge land tax is an additional tax that applies to residential land owned by foreign persons in New South Wales. Australian citizens and people who are “ordinarily resident” in Australia are exempt from the surcharge, while permanent residents may face additional requirements. […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) As of March 2026, geopolitical tension in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil trade, has shifted from a concern to a potential financial shock for Sydney households. This situation may have broader economic impacts, influencing factors such […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The process of buying or selling property can often seem daunting. Understanding what to expect, particularly in auction environments, is important for both vendors and purchasers. At Flash Conveyancing, we have broken down the key stages of the property sales process to […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) Recent torrential rains in New South Wales (NSW) have led to repeated water leaks and property defects in strata buildings. In strata living, these issues often cause frustration and disputes affecting both common property and lot owners’ property. Under the Strata Schemes […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) In property transactions in New South Wales, one of the biggest hurdles that can arise during settlement is a caveat appearing on the property’s title. A caveat acts like a legal “stop notice” and can have serious consequences for a property transaction […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) In 2026, data security is a major concern for Australians, particularly due to the rise in data breaches. Whether you are buying or selling property, security risks are very real. Understanding the difference between a local, family-run conveyancing firm and a larger […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) As of March 2026, energy performance disclosure is becoming an important component of buying and selling property in New South Wales. NatHERS — the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme — is expected to be extended to existing housing. Under this system, homes […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) In the property market of New South Wales, two certificates that are often confused are the Occupation Certificate (OC) and the Building Information Certificate (BIC). However, these certificates are quite different. Both vendors and purchasers need to understand the roles these certificates […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) In New South Wales, there are certain unique challenges and risks that come with off-the-plan contracts. Buyers who are not aware of the legalities surrounding the Occupation Certificate (OC) are particularly exposed to risk. This is a significant aspect of the property […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The war in Iran escalated in late February 2026 and is causing disturbances in the global economy. Sydney is now beginning to feel the ramifications of the conflict. Tensions in the region have hindered oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) Australia’s tax system is under scrutiny as key economic challenges, such as intergenerational equity, sluggish business productivity, and the energy transition, remain unresolved. Independent MP Allegra Spender recently proposed a bold tax reform plan aimed at addressing these issues and restoring fairness […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) In recent months, Australian borrowers have been hit with a double dose of interest rate pain, as instability fueled by the volatile Middle East conflict has led three of the country’s major banks to revise their predictions for the Reserve Bank of […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The Australian economy has been under significant scrutiny, particularly with the recent spike in inflation that has taken many by surprise. For those involved in property transactions, whether as a buyer, seller, or agent, understanding these economic shifts is critical. Inflation, interest […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) There are currently discussions about potential changes to the capital gains tax (CGT) discount ahead of the Federal Budget. CGT forms part of the income tax system administered by the Australian Taxation Office. It generally applies when a person sells, disposes of, […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia The taxation rule of negative gearing is currently part of the housing policy debate in Australia. Although it is not strictly part of the conveyancing process, the behaviour of vendors, purchasers, and property investors strongly influences the property market and, therefore, the […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia In Australia, the Vendor Clearance Certificate for Capital Gains Withholding issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is an important requirement during the conveyancing process for the sale of property. This requirement affects the vendor (seller), the purchaser (buyer), and often the […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia The buying or selling of property is one of the largest financial transactions most people ever undertake. It takes place at the centre of the conveyancing process, involving the purchaser, the vendor, and often the real estate agent managing the sale. As […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia Having a swimming pool is a great addition to many homes across areas such as Blacktown, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Schofields, Marsden Park, Castle Hill, and more in NSW. On the other hand, owning a pool also creates legal responsibilities that are relevant […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia An important issue that may arise in property dealings, particularly when a lease involves a personal guarantee, was highlighted in Ushta Pty Ltd atf The AVVM Trust v Babayan. This matter concerns the enforceability of a personal guarantee, the assignment of rights […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The recent case of Balout v Dobro Dosle Pty Ltd shows us a great deal about property transactions. Property transactions are often governed by legal agreements that bind buyers, sellers, and lenders to specific terms. This case addresses several key issues in […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) On 1 July 2026, all employers in Australia, including small businesses such as conveyancing practices with fewer than 10 staff, will have to change the way superannuation is paid due to the new Payday Super rules. Businesses will need to change the […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) When buying property in New South Wales, it is important to be aware of the many costs involved, including land tax. A common misunderstanding relates to the s47 Land Tax Clearance Certificate. Buyers often assume that a vendor with a “clear” certificate […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) The Australian government’s recent reforms to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act show that authorities are moving towards strategically closing gaps in the financial system that have, over the years, been exploited by organised criminal activity and money laundering. The conveyancing […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) Big news in the world of property transactions! The 2026 edition of the Contract for the Sale and Purchase of Land was published on 2 March 2026, and it contains significant updates that will be relevant to purchasers and vendors alike. A […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) If you’re planning to buy a property at auction in New South Wales, it is important to understand the legal side. If you are a buyer, seller, or sales agent, getting sound legal advice and doing some due diligent assessment to ensure […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) When it comes to buying or selling property, having the right legal help is crucial. In New South Wales, both conveyancers and solicitors can manage property transactions, but the question is: which is the better choice? While both can handle the job, […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) Selecting a conveyancer can be the difference in your property buying and selling journey. Conveyancing refers to the legal transfer of ownership regarding property. Be it a buyer, seller, or even sales agent acting on behalf of the transaction, the person is […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) When you buy property in New South Wales, one of the biggest upfront costs after the purchase price, is transfer duty, still commonly called stamp duty. It applies whether you are buying your home, an investment, vacant land, commercial property or even […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) A contract of sale must be prepared before any marketing or open home inspections take place. In New South Wales, real estate agents are legally required to have a complete contract of sale in their possession before they can advertise your property […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) When buying or selling property in New South Wales, understanding the legal side of the transaction is crucial. This process, known as conveyancing, involves both the vendor and purchaser parties, with the sales agent often playing a key role. Conveyancing ensures all […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) If you’re a first-time homebuyer in New South Wales (NSW), there are two key government programs designed to make entering the property market more affordable. These programs are the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS) and the Home Guarantee Scheme, both aimed […]

By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia) If you own property in New South Wales, land tax may apply to you depending on the value of your land and how it is used. Land tax is a state-based charge administered by Revenue NSW and is calculated on the unimproved […]

Property auctions are a great way to buy or sell a property. Buyers can often find a decent property at a bargain price. For vendors, it’s a great way to ensure a sale occurs. However, a recent trend in property auctions is for real estate agents to reduce the usual 10% deposit required and payable […]

A property purchase is a significant investment, so it is important that purchasers are well aware of exactly what they’re paying for. Transparency, honesty and integrity are crucial in any transaction, but this is especially true when it comes to property transactions, since so much money is at stake. Therefore, it is vital that any […]

In conveyancing, the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another is a critical aspect of any real estate transaction. However, the intricate and multifaceted nature of this transaction means there are sometimes delays and hindrances to this process rolling out as smoothly as it should. To help you navigate the process […]

Hello, future homeowners and sellers! The journey toward property settlement is often a thrilling one, but sometimes unexpected roadblocks can pop up, causing delays that can be a tad frustrating. In this blog post, we’ll explore the five most common things that can cause a hiccup in settlement and what penalties might come into play. […]

When it comes to selling your property, there really aren’t any hard and fast rules about when is the best time of the year. There are so many variables that can impactthe response you get to your advertising; the way people respond to your property and who shows up as a potential buyer. These can […]

In the world of property transactions, one term that often comes up is “land tax.” It’s a tax that many have heard of but few truly understand. In this blog, we aim to unravel the mysteries of land tax in New South Wales. We’ll explore who pays it, when it’s applicable, and its significance in […]

Buying a property can be an exhilarating experience and finding that perfect abode in New South Wales is a dream come true for many. However, before you pop the champagne and celebrate, there’s one critical step you must not overlook: due diligence. In this blog, we’ll break down why due diligence is so crucial for […]

In the realm of property purchases, one term that’s making waves in New South Wales is “off-the-plan.” These purchases are becoming increasingly popular, promising a unique blend of anticipation and customization. However, it’s not all smooth sailing in this sea of opportunity. Off-the-plan transactions come with their own set of intricacies and potential pitfalls. In […]

Did we mention we are ‘Award Winning’? We can proudly announce we were awarded the 2014 Colin Bruce Award for Outstanding initiative in establishing a new Conveyancing business and excellent customer service by the NSW Australian Institute of Conveyancers. What is PEXA? PEXA is essentially online conveyancing. It’s faster, safer, and, as a vendor, has […]